The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a press felt, according to which method a press felt is manufactured which has a good initial density by means a water soluble material, such as polymer, preferably polyvinyl alcohol (PVAL), applied to the texture of the press felt. Furthermore, the invention relates to a press felt comprising a body (2) and a crill layer (1) arranged thereto. Furthermore, the press felt comprises a portion of a water soluble material, such as water soluble polymer, arranged to dissolve from the texture after the initial density obtained by means of it is no longer needed.